Sunday, July 26, 2015

NASA made a recent
announcement regarding the discovery
of Kepler 452b, which scientists are
dubbing 'Earth 2.0', an earth-like planet in our galaxy.

Let’s find out why they’re
so excited.

It's
the most similar planet to Earth that has ever been discovered

John Grunsfeld, associate
administrator for Nasa's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, said:
"Today we're announcing the
discovery of an exoplanet
that as far as we can tell is a pretty close cousin of Earth. It's the closest
so far. It's Earth 2.0."

What does he mean by “pretty close?”

Everything about Kepler
452b - from its size, the length of its years, the estimated conditions on the
surface - is very similar to Earth.

Years
on Kepler 452b are about the same duration as they are on Earth

A year on the
newly-discovered planet - the time it takes to orbit its star, Kepler 452 - lasts for 385 days, only 20 days longer than a year
here on Earth. That’s more unique than you think. For example, a year on Venus,
the closest planet to the Earth, lasts only 88 Earth-days. A year on
Neptune, further out in our solar system, is the equivalent of 185 Earth-years.

It's
spent billions of years within the optimal habitable distance of its star

Kepler 452, the planet's
star, is around 1.5 billion years older than our Sun. If a planet is too close to its star, it will be too hot to host life. If it's too far away, it will be too
cold.

However, Kepler 452b has been the
perfect distance from its star for many billions of years. According to Jon
Jenkins, the Kepler data analysis lead at
NASA's Ames Research Centre,
this means it's possible that it hosts life on its surface, or at least could
have at some point in its history.

This brings all sorts of other “life
essential factors” into play.

The planet's star, Kepler 452, is slightly bigger than our own Sun. The added light and heat
energy that the planet receives from the star not only means it is slightly
warmer than Earth, but could also mean that plant life could thrive there,
especially as there’s also a good chance liquid water is present.

Remember, since plant photosynthesis is what produces the air we breathe, that means this essential building block
of life has a good chance of living on Kepler 452b.

Jon Jenkins told the
press conference: "The sunshine from Kepler's star is very similar to
sunshine from our own star, and plants could be able to photosynthesise just
the same."

"It would feel a lot
like home."

You
could even get a tan there

Dr Daniel Brown, an
astronomy expert at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Kepler 452b
receives the same kind of spectrum and intensity of light as we do on Earth.
This means plants from our planet could grow there if it were rocky and had an
atmosphere. You could even get a healthy
tan like here on holiday."

But don’t get too excited just yet

Unfortunately,
it's pretty much impossible to get there (at the moment)

(A lightyear is the distance that a beam of light can travel in a
year. Light travels at over 670 million miles
per hour. Light from the Sun takes around eight minutes to reach Earth, so
naturally, a trip to Kepler 452b would take an incredibly long time.)

Let’s put that into
perspective with something else that was currently in the news:
Nasa's New Horizon probe - the one that
recently took the amazing pictures of Pluto - left Earth's orbit faster than any other spacecraft
before it, at around 36,373 mph.

If a specially adapted New
Horizon launched at this speed towards Kepler 452b, it would take YOU around
25.8 million years to get there. What does that mean? Well, think about it this
way...early, primitive humans only developed around 2.5 million years ago. So
by the time you get there, you’d probably have evolved into something very
special?

Sad news? Perhaps. But think about it in another way. If scientists are finding planets like this, it increases the probability of them uncovering evidence of what many have suspected for years.We are not alone...

(Just as well X Files is coming back. Mulder and Scully might get very busy, real soon)

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Review of the IX - By Hugo Award Winner - Michael A. Armstrong

Take one part Roman military history, one part Old West adventure, one part near-future thriller, and combine with an alien, other wordly far-future battle against the meanest, nastiest monsters ever and you have Andrew Weston's The IX. Oh, and throw in a little Native American mysticism just to shake things up.Just when you think you've figured out how The IX might end, Weston pounds the reset button of your expectations. The Horde, the aliens threatening to overcome the last outpost of civilization, come right out of The Forbidden Planet's "monsters from the Id," which is to say, Shakespeare's Tempest. Like all good villians, they seem to be a force impossible to overcome that demands great heroism and sacrifice from Weston's heroes. But also like all good villians, the Horde may have a little of us in them. Weston's Romans and Celts, cowboys and Indians, and soldiers and terrorists get pulled from certain death into a battlefield where to win they must set aside their human hatred. It's an amazing idea that keeps the reader enthralled and guessing. Like all good fiction, The IX also is a novel that resonants long after the last sentence. Highly recommended.

**********

If you like your science fiction fast paced and gritty, full of realistic action and dark humor in the face of overwhelming odds, then The IX is definitely the epic for you.

Fans of Julian May’s “Saga of the Pliocene Exiles,” Robert Heinlein’s “Have Space Suit, Will Travel”, and Jerry Pournelle's “Janissaries Series” will love this tale. It combines the divergent elements of the past, present, and future, and blends them together into a slick and stylish package that will leave you breathless and hungry for more.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

TMV Radio Café

I recently stopped by at TMV Radio Café to talk about bears in the wood, rugs in the attic, and the benefits of fighting premature ageing by the regular application of apricot facial scrubs with... Bill ZobieZak Snider.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

This Dark Matter - Review - The IX

Review: Bringing together competing groups of warriors from
multiple different time periods to fight a war not their own can’t be easy.

This epic story takes a moment or two to set up
but then skillfully guides you along for the adventure, never leaving you much
time to come up for air. There’s always a new twist coming in, a new element
you hadn’t considered, but always carefully worked in such a way that it seems
completely natural. It relatively quickly focuses in on the three main
characters of Marcus, Lex, and Mac — a Roman Centurion, a US Calvary man, and
the lieutenant of a slightly futuristic UK special forces unit, respectively —
as they struggle to understand why they were selected to help save an alien
race on the far side of the galaxy.

It is impressive to see how the author has blended science fiction with
history and classic Westerns into a cohesive whole, but it is also interesting
to see how he predicts these cultures would come together and interact amongst
each other. Snatched from Earth at the moment of their deaths through a
time-traveling wormhole, the three leaders and their teams have to learn to
understand each other before they can figure out what drives the mindless
attack of the Horde on the Ardenese people. Not only do they need to defeat the
Horde, but they must also overcome a number of additional challenges no one
could have foreseen.

***************

Something that bothered me, especially in the beginning, were the info dumps
between characters. Of course, this was necessary to a great degree in order to
keep the different population groups separate (Romans, US 19th century
cavalrymen and Plains Indians, future era elite soldiers, alien beings from a
planet called Arden). It was also necessary to initiate individuals into their
new home and, to the author’s credit, each introduction provided different
information for the reader about what was actually happening. However, there
were several moments when two relatively equally informed members of a group
were talking amongst themselves and clearly rehashing old information just for
the reader’s benefit. Given the artistry in other parts of the book, it seemed
these sections might have been smoothed a bit more.

Another difficult element of the book at first was the jumping around from
group of characters to group of characters. Keeping all of the names straight
and understanding how each related to each other and eventually to the other
groups within the story was confusing. A character chart would have been
helpful here (my apologies if it already exists and I missed it). As much as I
confused the characters in the beginning, though, I never caught the author
doing so. Even in characterizing how the Ardenese communicate the new situation
to their arrivals, Weston changed the approach based on the individual
character’s own internal understanding. For example, while the future era
special ops guy gets a relatively straight-forward explanation of what
happened, the Cree warrior understands himself to be on a Vision Quest:

**********

Excerpt.......

The Creator took his newly fashioned weapon and drew the blade across his
palm. Holding his hand before him, he squeezed his fist tightly, so that
scarlet vitality pooled into a natural bowl-shaped depression in the rock at
his feet. Stained-with-Blood noticed a thin gully leading away from the hollow
and toward the cliff.

As the ruby-red ichor flowed toward the edge, it ran into a wall of
invisible resistance. After surging and boiling for a moment, it reared upward.
A birch sapling sprouted from the depths of the turbulent liquid. Growing
quickly, it pushed down thick roots and matured into a majestic specimen of
impressive height.

The rock along the lip of the chasm cracked. The tree shuddered and began to
tip forward. As it fell, it abruptly budded, before exploding into the air.
Stained-with-Blood watched, transfixed, as the seeds were caught up by glowing
cinders from the fire and carried away into the starlit sky.

**********

Since the reader has already seen the explanations offered to several of the
other principle characters, this vision is understood to convey at least as
much meaning to the old Indian warrior as the more straight-forward
explanations given to the previous soldiers. Touches such as this easily make
up for a little awkwardness here and there elsewhere.

The author’s knowledge of military history and his speculations about what
might have happened to the legendary Ninth Roman Legion have led to an amazing
trip through time and space to a world where things are not ever as
straight-forward as they seem. Blending in believable science and classic
elements of old Westerns, Weston has created a truly delightful story worth the
time it takes to read it. At more than 500 pages, that could take a little
while. However, you might want to set the alarm. You’ll be caught up in the
action enough that you might forget to eat dinner!5 out of 5 stars

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Roundtable Podcast - Part 2

They invited me back to the Roundtable Podcast for a brainstorming session.

While we failed to find the residual sludge that was the rest of my sanity, we were able to share ideas with Clara Robertson regarding the formula for a winning novel.

Why she would listen to us prattling on, I don't know. Did we bribe her? Was she tied down? Were chocolates and diamonds involved? (If so, why was I only paid with a cracked mirror and an empty bottle of hair restorer?)

In any event - I can't remember much, as I was very, very drunk at the time...hic!

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

"Thank You" to Two Special People.

As some of you will be aware, I was recently notified of the fact that I have been granted the privilege of entering the honoured ranks of authors belonging to the revered

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

While this is obviously a great personal achievement for me, and one of the ambitions I set myself when I first ventured into the soul searing vocation that is writing, I am also keenly aware that I wasn't able to achieve this goal on my own.

I am where I am because of the dedication, guidance, and experience of the special team around me at Perseid Press.

As many of you will be aware, Perseid Press is dedicated to the marketing of exemplary works of fiction. You have to be invited to contribute.

The IX

The IX (published by Perseid Press) appears to be taking the world of science fiction by storm. Not only has it achieved a sustained #1 status in a variety of countries around the world, but it has attracted rave reviews from the likes of Amazing Stories, Black Gate, Amazon Vine, Geeks in Highschool, and Fanboy comics.

And the story isn't over.

Now I've realized another pinnacle in my short career, I'll be working closely with Perseid Press to refine my work, and aspire to even greater achievements.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

The IX

Alternative Sci-Fi Crossing Genre Boundaries

Pretty much epic in all ways. I am still wrapping my head around the multiple fascinating concepts author Andrew P. Weston introduced in his novel. This perfect sci-fi drama of action and trust and betrayal and hope, deserves to be read by you and absorbed into your life. This is a superb story and it has too many layers to peel back to do it justice. What I love most is no one is wasted. Not one of the many characters we meet is rendered unimportant. No fodder. No cardboard secondary's.Do I recommend this book? Um, does chocolate cake taste fantastic? Of course! If you love a solid story that gives you moments of real fear for the safety of those imaginary people on the page, then I recommend, recommend, recommend highly THE IX.Geeks in High School

Weston deftly weaves the horrors of the Horde stealing human life-essences, with the beauty of his prose and imagery. I was right there, on Arden, while reading. Action-packed through every chapter, the story unfolds as former enemies are forced to learn how to trust each other, to trust the visions & experiences of those who walk the spirit-world, & to share information. I highly recommend this book to fans of SF/fantasy, & horror.Amazing StoriesThe IX has taken me back to the books I enjoyed in my youth (Jerry Pournelle's King David's Spaceship or Gordon Dickson's Hour of the Horde) It flows wonderfully. There's constant motion,& Weston takes the story in unexpected directions that are intriguing & fun.If you're in need of some fast-paced storytelling, lots of action, & an army of characters drawn from Earth's past and future, The IX should serve you well.Black GateWeston knows how to keep the reader on the edge of the seat without feeling as though the mission will never end. This is a complex combination of history, imagination& science fiction magic as is available today. A strong book by a solid author.Grady Harp: Hall of Fame/Top 100 /Vine ReviewerWhen it comes to science fiction, I want a book that captures me from page one and never gives me a reason to want to escape. I want a book that forces me to stay up until 3 a.m., because there is no point at which it is ideal to put it down. I want a book whose characters and plots are complex and intelligent, but elegantly crafted with the minimum of distraction. The IX delivers.Fanboy Comics

**********

If you like your science fiction fast paced and gritty, full of realistic action and dark humor in the face of overwhelming odds, then The IX is definitely the epic for you.

Fans of Julian May’s “Saga of the Pliocene Exiles,” Robert Heinlein’s “Have Space Suit, Will Travel”, and Jerry Pournelle's “Janissaries Series” will love this tale. It combines the divergent elements of the past, present, and future, and blends them together into a slick and stylish package that will leave you breathless and hungry for more.

My latest Blog for Astronaut.com

My Latest Blog For Amazing Stories

The World of The IX Series

About Me

I am a Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with my wife, Annette, and our growing family of rescue cats.
As creator of the critically acclaimed IX Series, and Hell Bound & Hell Hounds, (novels forming part of Janet Morris' Heroes in Hell universe), I also have the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Fantasy Society, and the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers.
When not working, I devote some of my spare time to assisting NASA with one of their remote research projects, and supporting charities. I also write educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.
On weekends, you might also find me drinking Earl Grey Tea whilst dressed as Captain Jean Luc Picard.
Make it so...
If you would like to find out more, just follow the links at the top of the page.

The Future of Science Fiction

The IX Series

The Senate & The People of Rome

The IX

International #1 Bestseller

The IX

The IX, an epic novel spanning past, present, and future:The ultimatum:Fight or die.Roman legionnaires, far from home, lost in the mists of Caledonia; a US cavalry company on a special mission for Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln; and a Special Forces unit from the 21st century, desperate to prevent nuclear catastrophe:Snatched away from Earth at the moment of death to a failing planet far away, these misfit soldiers must unite against a relentless foe, where the cost of victory may be more than they're willing to pay. How far will they go to stay alive?From Perseid Press.

Exordium of Tears

Book 2 of The IX Series

Exordium of Tears

Fight or die.That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, thesurvivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. Ametamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlockingpreviously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies. A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is onlythe beginning of the adventure.

Prelude to Sorrow

The IX Series

Prelude to Sorrow

The task force dispatched from Arden to eradicate the Horde menace failed, and for those few left alive, the tenet by which they have survived for so long resounds as never before.

Fight or Die!

Now marooned, out of time and out of place, the survivors lick their wounds and struggle to recover while the Horde gather their strength for a final strike that will change the course of history forever. The fate of the galaxy – and more – hangs in the balance.

But fate, it seems, isn’t done with the Ninth, and our heroes find themselves forced to mount a last-ditch attempt to end the threat once and for all.

Will the darkness be vanquished, or will our heroes’ efforts finally signal the beginning of the end of their adventure?

The Glorious Ninth

Fight or Die!

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Fire Asylum Business

Fire Asylum Admissions

Welcome to the Fire Asylum. This is truly a safe place for what the world contends is insane behavior. The activities here are specifically designed with the firefighter in mind. Your training here, or treatment, may seem tough and challenging. Remember that it is for your own good. Here are a few words from our director of activities to inspire your stay.

"In our silent crucible, we are tested by fire. In that place where life can and does change forever, peace is given like a gift to the ones who have endured."

Hell Bound

International #1 Bestseller

Hell Bound

In hell, none of the condemned believes they deserve to be there. And that’s fine, so long as they’re not foolish enough to try and do anything about it. For those that do, there’s always Satan’s Reaper–and chief bounty hunter–Daemon Grim.Feared throughout the many layers of the underverse, no one in their right mind dares to cross him.However, when Grim discovers that someone has attempted to evade injustice, and seems hell-bent on gaining access to ancient angelic artifacts proscribed since the time of the original rebellion in heaven, circumstances point to the fact they may be doing just that.The question is...why?Thus begins an investigation that leads Grim throughout the many contradictory and baffling levels of the underworld, where he unearths a conspiracy that is not only eating its way like a cancer through the highest echelons of Hellion society,but one which threatens the very stability of Satan’s rule.

As you can imagine, Grim’s response is bloody, brutal, and despicably wicked.

Pieces of Hate******************It's sink or swim in this swashbuckling adventure where Daemon Grim, Satan's Reaper, is sent on a quest to recover booty of great value to His Infernal Majesty.But what lurks at the center of Skull Island? Is it truly treasure, or will there be fools gold aplenty in a tale that proves once and for all that, when it comes to burying something in your chest, blood money is the only currency the Reaper recognizes.

Hell Hounds

Coming October 31st

Hell Hounds

Feared throughout the many circles of the underworld, Satan’s Reaper – and chief bounty hunter – Daemon Grim, is known as a true force to be reckoned with.

Having eliminated a major player in the uprising eating its way like a cancer through the underbelly of hell, Grim is stunned to discover he cannot afford to rest on his laurels, for the rebellion runs far deeper than was ever imagined. New players have emerged – denizens with uncanny abilities – who seem determined to support Chopin and Tesla’s revolutionary agenda.

Ever keen to test their mettle, the Sibitti – personified weapons of the ancient Babylonian plague god, Erra – also appear eager to capitalize on the growing unrest, and set about maneuvering events in order to place themselves in direct opposition to Grim’s investigation.

And if that was not cause for concern enough, there’s an insane angel on the loose, a creature as hell-bent on creating havoc as he is to return home.

How do Grim and his rabid pack of bounty hunters respond?

Baying for blood – doesn’t even begin to describe it.

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Watch out Hugo Awards - the best 'Fanzine' in the world is back. There's a new 'old' kid on the block

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